The good news is that CNN is now broadcasting its 24-hour live news channel over the internet for free. You can tune in on a desktop web browser or using an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. The bad (but not particularly surprising) news is that you’ll need to be a paid TV subscriber to use the service.

If you go to CNN.com/video and click the Live button, you’ll see a key icon that says “Unlock to watch.” In order to unlock, you need to provide your account information for your cable, satellite, or other premium TV provider such as Verizon FiOS or AT&T U-Verse.

That makes sense, since CNN and television providers work out deals worth an awful lot of money. But considering just how much news CNN and other news outlets offers for free on its website — and the fact that there are commercials embedded in the live stream, it’d be nice to see the network come up with a way to offer a stream for non-subscribers.

If you’re not a cable subscriber — or if you have an Android device, you can always get live news coverage from Al Jazeera English.